Veterinarians and moral distress

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Occupational Health
• Professional Ethics

Background:

• Moral distress is a significant concern in veterinary practice.
• Understanding its impact on professional well-being is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess moral distress levels in veterinarians.
• To determine if moral distress predicts professional well-being outcomes.
• To control for demographic factors in the analysis.

Main Methods:

• An electronic survey was distributed to veterinarians via the Veterinary Information Network.
• 1,919 veterinarians completed the survey.
• Statistical analysis examined the predictive value of moral distress on professional fulfillment, work exhaustion, disengagement, and burnout, controlling for age and gender.

Main Results:

• Higher moral distress scores predicted lower professional fulfillment.
• Higher moral distress scores predicted increased work exhaustion, interpersonal disengagement, and burnout.
• Younger female veterinarians reported higher moral distress than older male veterinarians.

Conclusions:

• Moral distress significantly impacts veterinarians' professional well-being.
• The veterinary field must implement training to help practitioners recognize and manage ethical conflicts.
• Proactive strategies are needed to mitigate the negative effects of moral distress on mental health.